Orozco Fiscal ends US’ drought on Mexican soil

AFP, MEXICO CITY

Fri, Aug 17, 2012 - Page 18

Michael Orozco Fiscal scored in the 80th minute and goalkeeper Tim Howard played brilliantly as the US upset Mexico 1-0 in a friendly, giving the US their first-ever win on Mexican soil.

US coach Jurgen Klinsmann hailed the “huge” upset at Azteca Stadium.

“It is huge for all American fans and it is historic,” he said. “We were well aware that we had never won here before. Tim Howard kept us in the game. It was an absolutely outstanding performance by Howard.”

Mexico controlled the majority of the match, peppering Howard with a steady barrage of scoring opportunities, but they failed to capitalize, as Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez missed a couple of chances near goal.

Klinsmann acknowledged his team still had “a lot of work” ahead.

“We have to keep the ball longer and we have to create more chances,” he said. “You need a little bit of luck too, and in some instances we were lucky. We had Tim Howard too.”

The US had been 0-23-1 against El Tri in 75 years of games in Mexico, including 0-19-1 in Mexico City. Mexico have outscored the US 81-14 overall in Mexico City.

Brek Shea went down the left flank and around Severo Meza to start the play that led to the goal. Shea, back with the national team after being dropped for six months, crossed to Terrence Boyd. He made a quick backheel pass to Orozco Fiscal.

Orozco Fiscal kicked the ball past goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa for his first international goal. Orozco Fiscal plays for San Luis in Mexico.

Mexico’s best chance to score came in the 85th minute, when Chicharito’s shot deflected off a US player and appeared to be heading into the empty half of the net.

However, Howard was able to reach back and blocked it with his arm, preserving his shutout.